Investigators said 62-year-old Phil Trzop, of Walton, sold scrap metal to fund Christmas bonuses and other gatherings for employees. Trzop is also general manager of the Boone County Water District. A water district board member confirmed Trzop was suspended at a meeting Saturday.

However, detectives said the numbers didn't match up in their investigation, and they said Trzop admitted to having money at his house. He then turned it over to authorities, deputies said.

Detectives estimated Trzop stole about $34,000 over the past three years.

Boone County sheriff’s spokesman Tom Scheben said everything seemed innocent during the investigation with Trzop. “(In) the third interview we had today, he admitted he had money at home. It took it from innocent mismanagement to a criminal offense,” Scheben said.

In Walton, citizens had mixed feelings.

“I don't know if I can believe that. He seems like a pretty good person when he comes in here,” Amanda Robinson said.